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Talks between Hamels, Phils may be heating up

Talks between Hamels, Phils may be heating up

PHILADELPHIA -- Cole Hamels could be making his final start for the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday.

Or it could be his final start at home before the club announces a lucrative contract extension.

Sources said Friday that talks between the Phillies and Hamels have heated up. MLB.com's Peter Gammons reported the Phillies are willing to offer Hamels an extension in the six-year, $130 million range. It might take more money than that, but the Phillies almost certainly need to offer Hamels at least a six-year deal to have any shot at signing him to an extension before the July 31 Trade Deadline.

"No comment," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.

"Nope," Hamels said, asked if he had a moment to talk.

If the Phillies cannot reach an agreement with Hamels before the Trade Deadline, they seem likely to trade the lefty rather than let him leave via free agency following the season.